Hallandale Beach, Florida



MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION, CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2007 AT 7:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Cooper called to order at 6:47 P.M.

2. ROLL CALL

Mayor Cooper, Vice Mayor Julian, Commissioners London, Ross and Schiller, City Manager Good, City Attorney Jove and City Clerk McGough – All present

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS

A. Holiday Lights Award Program 2007

The award winners were recognized and presented with gifts. Mayor Cooper thanked the members of the Beautification Advisory Board, community members and staff for making this a successful program.

NOTE: NAME ST. BERNARD APARTMENTS WAS CORRECTED TO BERNARD APARTMENTS

NOTE: PHOTOGRAPHS OF PROPERTIES TO BE PLACED ON THE CITY’S

WEBSITE

B. South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Presentations

Bert Waters, SFWMD, presented the City with a $25,000 check for a Water Savings Incentive Program Grant to implement a Rain Sensor Retrofit Program.

Residents can obtain water restriction information on the internet by going to . The city’s website has a link to this internet address. New water restrictions go into effect as of January 15, 2008 and the City will be monitoring compliance.

Jose Lopez, P.E., SFWMD, will work with the City on the grant program and other water conservation efforts.

Mr. Waters presented a power point presentation regarding an overview of the District’s Comprehensive Planning and how State Law links growth and water supply. Local governments must prepare a Ten (10) Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan and amend the local Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the Ten (10) Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. Work Plan implementation was discussed. Adoption of the Plan and related Comprehensive Plan amendments are to be completed in August, 2008.

In response to discussion by Vice Mayor Julian pertaining to repair of the dike at Lake Okeechobee, Mr. Waters advised the U.S. Corps of Engineers has a 20 year plan and it is important to have alternative water supply sources developed such as use of the Floridian Aquifer.

City Manager Good discussed salt water intrusion and the effects it has had on the City and noted that Dania Beach and Hillsboro Beach were also experiencing salt water intrusion.

Cities are encouraged to have multi-jurisdictional solutions and the SFWMD will be researching technologies applicable to multi-jurisdictions to produce water, such as reverse osmosis and a desalinization plant. The primary source of funding for this initiative is from the State. Commissioner London noted he attended a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Water Advisory Board where regionalism was discussed as the key to water production.

Earl King noted a study involving withdrawal of water from the Biscayne Aquifer under Chaves Lake to extend the life of the City’s wells will be done. City Manager Good noted the City will also research use of the Floridian aquifer.

NOTE: A LINK TO THE POWER POINT PRESENTATION TO BE PLACED ON THE CITY’S WEB SITE

C. Recognition of Promotion of Aaron Henderson from Firefighter/Paramedic to Lieutenant

Chief Sullivan introduced Mr. Henderson and explained why he was promoted. Mr. Henderson and Mayor Cooper made remarks.

D. Recognition of Ceremonial Promotion of Captain Dermot Mangan to Major and Sergeant Martin Shorkey to Captain

Chief Magill introduced Major Mangan and Captain Shorkey (Ceremonial Promotions) and explained why the ceremonial promotions were made. Major Mangan and Captain Shorkey made comments. Sharon Scales, Hallandale Elementary School, praised Mr. Shorkey for his contributions as the school’s DARE officer. A United States flag was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Major Mangan and Captain Shorkey.

E. Parks and Recreation Summary Report

Rebecca Munden Correa, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the report.

Mayor Cooper stated she would like to have Udonis Haslem, Haslem Foundation, come to a subsequent City Commission meeting to receive a Key to the City.

Mayor Cooper recessed the meeting at 10:26 P.M.

Mayor Cooper reconvened the meeting at 10:38 P.M.

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Carl Watson, Hallandale Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, 1117 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd, presented a certificate of appreciation to the City for participation in the Taste of the Town.

Mayor Cooper thanked President Suzanne Friedman and Past President Joseph Amunategui II for their efforts.

Mary Washington, 700 NW 5 Ct, stated she was concerned about the City’s Resolutions on tonight’s agenda opposing the Property Tax Constitutional Amendment and the initiative of Hometown Democracy. She would like the community to be better educated about these issues.

Mayor Cooper stated there will be a property tax forum on January 7, 2008 at Hallandale High School.

Mary Washington asked if the City was spending money opposing these issues and Mayor Cooper stated the expenditures were for public education.

Loretta Lewis, 705 NW 10 Ct, stated concern about the community not receiving timely information regarding City meetings, including City Commission meetings. The locations for distribution of meeting information were discussed. Ms. Lewis suggested placing flyers about City meetings in stores and churches.

Mayor Cooper stated City meeting information will be posted at City facilities.

Ed Napolitano, 100 Golden Isle Drive, spoke on behalf of tax reform and tax breaks for the residents. He does not support use of public funds (City’s money) for education on tax reform related issues. He suggested increased use of private companies to provide City services.

Mayor Cooper discussed that education is needed for an informed electorate.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Application #66-06-CU and #67-06-CL by Orchid Concessions (Magna Entertainment) requesting a Conditional Use Permit and a Nightclub License in order to serve alcoholic beverages until 6:00 A.M. at Gulfstream Racetrack located at 901 South Federal Highway.

Richard Cannone, Development Services Director, provided background and noted the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. A similar request was granted to Mardi Gras Gaming.

Edward Stacker, attorney, requested approval.

Commissioner London asked about signage on the property advising the public about the Planning and Zoning meeting to consider this conditional use permit and nightclub license. Mr. Cannone stated the sign is the typical signage used for the Planning and Zoning Board. Christy Dominguez, Planning Director, stated there is no Code requirement for posting conditional use permits being considered before either the Planning and Zoning Board or the City Commission. Commissioner London recommended a larger sign or do not post the property at all.

Commissioner London stated Magna Entertainment Corp. has not been a good partner with the City based on their agreement with Aventura to close a road and funnel Gulfstream traffic into Hallandale Beach.

Mayor Cooper opened the Public Hearing.

Ed Napolitano recommended approval to help the facility.

Chaive Mesmer, 717 NE 1 St, spoke in support of the application.

John Hardwick, 708 Foster Road, spoke in support of the application and asked what is being done to ensure the entire community is benefiting from the facility. City Manager Good noted the Development Agreement with Forest City (Magna) includes entrepreneur opportunities and Mr. Hardwick noted he would like to participate.

Arturo O’Neill, 502 Holiday Drive, noted the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood does more to find out how the community feels about proposed improvements and spoke in support of the application.

Commissioner Ross noted Sheridan Vocational Center is offering training to become a gaming technician.

Seeing no further speakers, Mayor Cooper closed the Public Hearing.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SCHILLER TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND THE NIGHTCLUB LICENSE APPLICATIONS The motion carried by voice vote, 4/1. (Commissioner London voted no)

B. An Ordinance of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Rezoning from RS-6. Residential Single Family District, to B-G, Business General District, Lot 19 Less the North 10 Feet and Lot 20, Block 30 of the "Town of Hallandale Plat" on Land Commonly Known as 137 SW 1 Avenue (This ordinance is the result of Application #67-07-Z by Hallandale Beach Business Center, LLC)

Mayor Cooper read Items 6. B., C., and D.

Richard Shan, 224 South Dixie Highway, Applicant, waived the Quasi-Judicial process.

Richard Cannone, Development Services Director, provided background and discussed each item. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval.

City Manager Good stated the proposed project meets requirements, has limited impact on the neighborhood and will have a positive influence on the upgrade of South Dixie Highway and the surrounding area. He noted the property site contains the Moffitt House, which will be located in accordance with an agreement with Mr. Shan.

Richard Shan noted the Moffitt House would be relocated on Sunday, February 10, 2008 to a City owned site next to the Curci House on S.W. 3rd Avenue.

Commissioner London noted his support of the project and asked if the project includes any innovation in water retention on the site. City Manager Good stated using grass to catch parking lot water run off can lead to problems with collecting automotive oils in the water and that a filtering system could be considered.

Commissioner London stated the details regarding the traffic impacts of this project (data and analysis from the City’s transportation consultant Miller and Associates) were not included in the information provided to the City Commission and he asked to see the traffic numbers in the future. City Manager Good noted this information will be provided in the future.

NOTE: TRAFFIC DATA AND ANALYSIS PERTAINING TO PROPOSED

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION FOR

CONSIDERATION SHALL BE PROVIDED AS PART OF THE COMMISSION’S BACKUP INFORMATION FOR THE AGENDA ITEM(S)

NOTE: AGENDA PREPARATION ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY TO BE UPDATED

Staff explained Broward County’s 5% Commercial Flexibility Rule whereby a local government, through re-zoning, can permit up to 5% of the area designated for residential use on the City Future Land Use Map within a Flexibility zone to be used for neighborhood office and/or retail in lieu of a local future land use map amendment. The applicant is requesting the 5% Commercial Flexibility Rule be applied to the residential parcel to accommodate the rezoning from Residential to Commercial.

Commissioner London stated he wants to be copied on the minutes of the Planning and Zoning Board on a routine basis. He does not want just the Planning and Zoning Board minutes provided as backup for items placed on the Commission agenda.

Commissioner Ross spoke in support of the project and praised the historic park which will include the Curci and Moffitt historic homes.

Commissioner Schiller spoke in favor of the project.

Mayor Cooper noted the City wants more partnerships with businesses for this type of upgraded development within the Community Redevelopment Agency area.

Mayor Cooper opened the Public Hearing.

Damaris Nightingale, 200 SW 1 Ave, spoke in opposition of the project based on its negative impact on nearby residential properties. It was noted that the proposed development site is an office area with minimal impact on surrounding residential areas.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSINER ROSS TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE TO REZONE THE PLAT OF LAND LOCATED ON 137 SW 1 AVENUE FROM RS-6. RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT, to B-G, BUSINESS GENERAL DISTRICT ON FIRST READING. The motion carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Commissioner London, Ross, Schiller; Vice Mayor Julian; Mayor Cooper.

Nays: None.

C. Application #68-07-RD by Hallandale Beach Business Center, LLC, 134 South Dixie Highway, for a Redevelopment Area Waiver Pursuant to Ordinance #2002-03, of the 15 Foot Minimum Front Yard Setback Required for Buildings within the South Dixie Highway Overlay District.

It is noted that the setback is eleven foot instead of the fifteen foot minimum front yard setback.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SCHILLER TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A REDEVELOPMENT AREA WAIVER OF THE 15 FOOT MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR BUILDINGS WITHIN THE SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

D. Application #66-07-DB by Hallandale Beach Business Center, LLC for Major Development Review Approval as Provided by Article V Section 32-782 To Construct a 17,985 Square Foot Office Building with Associated Parking at 134 South Dixie Highway. (Staff: Director of Development Services)(See backup for Item #6.B.)

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SCHILLER TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEWOF THE HALLANDALE BEACH BUSINESS CENTER. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

7. CITY BUSINESS

A. Presentation by PFM Asset Management, LLC of the Investment Results for Surplus Funds for the Period July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007.

John Grady, PFM Asset Management, LLC, made presentation and discussed problems, issues and timeframes with the State Board of Administration (SBA) investments. He noted the City has no investments which are “at risk” and all participants in the SBA investments are public entities.

City Manager Good and Finance Director Ladolcetta both recommended the City not take further action regarding withdrawal of investments in the SBA. City funds have already been withdrawn up to the limit where there is no withdrawal penalty. The City does not currently need these surplus funds.

A company called Blackrock is doing an evaluation of the SBA investment pools. An Advisory Committee comprised of public employer representatives has been established by Blackrock.

NOTE: CITY MANAGER TO BE PROVIDED WITH LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY BLACKROCK

B. A Resolution Of The City Of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Approving The Joint Participation Agreement Between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Town of Pembroke Park and the City of Hallandale Beach For Maintenance And Operational Service In Connection With Financial Management (FM) Number 411100-1-78-01 for The South Broward Pumping Station Project

City Manager Good explained the purpose and operation of the South Broward Pumping Station and discussed the City’s responsibilities in relationship to the other two entities entering into the Joint Participation Agreement. Gordon Dobbins explained how the project expenditures are handled per the Joint Agreement.

Commissioner London inquired if the City incurred extra liability for employees working in Pembroke Park as part of this Agreement and was advised no.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO ADOPT THE JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT RESOLUTION. The motion carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Commissioner London, Ross, Schiller; Vice Mayor Julian; Mayor Cooper.

Nays: None.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN TO APPROVE THE JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

C. Discussion of the Commission Rules for Roll Call Voting

Commissioner London noted he had reviewed the roll call voting procedures from other cities but requested that the item be deferred as he was in process of collecting additional information about the item. Mayor Cooper stated the item should be discussed.

Mayor Cooper, Vice Mayor Julian and Commissioner Ross stated the order of the roll call voting should not make any difference.

Commissioner London noted that since the roll call voting rules are not set, but they are just guidelines, they can be changed and should be changed in the interest of a fair and equitable approach.

City Manager Good noted that Commissioner London, as other commissioners, has requested the item be placed on the agenda and he complied as he has done for other commissioners requesting items, so all commissioners have the same opportunity. Further, staff will complete research or other work associated with commissioner requested agenda items, as appropriate.

Mayor Cooper stated that it has been the practice of the Commission to conduct roll call voting in alphabetical order and the votes of each Commissioner, Vice Mayor and Mayor, yea or nay, are recorded on the respective Resolution or Ordinance. She did not find a reason to change this practice. Commissioner London stated that since the roll call voting rules are practices approved by the majority of the commission, they can be changed by the majority of the Commission.

Mayor Cooper stated the consensus from the Commission is not to further discuss or evaluate the issue.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SCHILLER TO MAKE NO CHANGES IN THE COMMISSION’S ROLL CALL VOTING PROCEDURES WITH STAFF DIRECTED TO SPEND NO MORE TIME ON THE MATTER. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

NOTE: COMMISSIONER LONDON STATED SINCE HE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION, PER PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE, HE MAY ELECT TO BRING UP THE ITEM AGAIN FOR CONSIDERATION

D. A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Urging Florida Citizens to Consider the Consequences of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment Concerning Property Taxes that will Appear on the January 29, 2008, Ballot; Urging Florida Citizens to Vote "No" on said Proposal; Supporting a Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Unfunded State Mandates in Order to Reduce Property Taxes; and Supporting a Prohibition on the State's Practice of Requiring Local School Boards to Increase Property Taxes.

Mayor Cooper stated the sections of the proposed Resolution which urge Florida citizens to vote “no” on the proposed amendment should be removed from the Resolution. Further, she noted the City had received a draft resolution from the Florida League of Cities pertaining to informing citizens about the impacts of the proposed property tax constitutional amendment and suggested the City’s Resolution incorporate information about the impacts.

Mayor Cooper noted that the State is supposed to fund 100% of the cost of education but 37% of the local tax bills fund education. Further, the Resolution should support the efforts of the Tax Commission as this body is supposed to be the entity recommending tax reform.

City Manager Good stated the pros and cons of the proposed legislation should be listed as the public should be educated on the impacts of the proposed amendment. He noted that Senator Geller and Representative Gibbons have concerns about the amendment.

Commissioner London noted the upcoming property tax forum scheduled for January 7, 2008 will give voters the opportunity to learn about the pros and cons of the proposed amendment and the City should not spend money pertaining to educating voters on the tax issues.

Mayor Cooper asked for a summary of the motion pertaining to the proposed Resolution. City Manager Good stated the motion would be to approve a Resolution removing the specific language as noted by Mayor Cooper and include the pros and cons suggested by the draft Resolution provided by the Florida League of Cities.

Commissioner London stated that tax reform is a very complicated issue and the proposed amendment does not comprehensively address tax reform issues.

Mayor Cooper read the title of the proposed Resolution, as amended. The intent of the Resolution is not to take a yes or no position but to present the pros and cons of the legislation and urge citizens to consider the impacts.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO APPROVE THE AMENDED RESOLUTION TO URGE FLORIDA CITIZENS TO CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX AMENEDMENT. The motion carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Commissioner London, Ross, and Schiller; Vice Mayor Julian; Mayor Cooper.

Nays: None.

NOTE: COMMISSIONER SCHILLER LEFT THE COMMISSION MEETING AT 11:21 P.M.

E. A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Finding that the Expenditure of Money in Opposition of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment Serves a Public Purpose; Providing that the Dissemination of Information Concerning the Impacts of this Amendment on the Citizens of the County and the City is Essential to the Health, Safety, Protection and Welfare of the City and its Citizens; Providing an Effective Date, and for Other Purposes.

Mayor Cooper noted the City has taken this position on the past. City Manager Good recommended that the City’s analysis of the proposed legislation should be provided to the public in order to help voters make an informed decision. A minimum expenditure will be involved and will be expended under City Manager authority.

Vice Mayor Julian noted as elected officials the Commission has the duty to inform voters as to the pros and cons of proposed legislation.

Commissioner London stated there will be a number of “free” venues to distribute information and he does not agree with the expenditure of funds.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by roll call vote as follows

Ayes: Commissioner Ross; Vice Mayor Julian; Mayor Cooper.

Nays: Commissioner London.

(Commissioner Schiller absent; Commissioner London voted no)

F. A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Opposing Florida Hometown Democracy's Proposed Amendment to the Florida Constitution that Would Force Voters to Decide All Changes to a City or County's Comprehensive Plan; Urging Municipalities Throughout Broward County and the State of Florida, as well as Florida Electors, to Oppose Florida Hometown Democracy's Proposed Amendment to the Florida Constitution; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing for an Effective Date.

City Manager Good discussed the purpose of the Resolution and also noted there appears to be misrepresentation by individuals seeking support of petitions to place the proposed amendment on the referendum.

Commissioner London noted he intends to vote against the Resolution because the voters should have the option to consider this matter.

Mayor Cooper, Vice Mayor Julian and Commissioner Ross noted why the Resolution should be supported.

Richard Cannone, Director, Development Services, provided a staff perspective on why the Resolution should be supported.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OPPOSING FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY. The motion carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Commissioner London and Ross; Vice Mayor Julian; Mayor Cooper.

Nays: None.

(Commissioner Schiller absent; Commissioner London voted no)

G. A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Supporting Donations of Surplus Fire Equipment and Material to Volunteer Fire Departments within the United States.

Mayor Cooper noted that this was actually Vice Mayor Julian’s item. Vice Mayor Julian noted his intention to bring this matter before the National League of Cities and to promote establishment of a national website or clearinghouse for volunteer fire departments to indicate their needs. He noted Hallandale Beach had made donations of equipment to volunteer departments in Mississippi ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. He further intends to promote this with the Broward and Florida League of Cities.

Commissioner Ross noted support of the Resolution and suggested consideration of a similar program to donate equipment of use to needy Police Departments.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO DONATE SURPLUS FIRE EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL. The motion carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Commissioner London and Ross; Vice Mayor Julian; Mayor Cooper.

Nays: None.

(Commissioner Schiller absent)

8. MONTHLY REPORTS

Mayor Cooper left the dais at 11:58 P.M.

Commissioner London noted the City’s marquee needs to be updated to have the correct information regarding the second Commission meeting of the month.

Commissioner London stated the parking spaces at the Publix Shopping Plaza on East Hallandale Beach Blvd. had been modified and bumper stops removed. City Manager Good will investigate.

Mayor Cooper returned to the dais at 12:02 A.M.

Commissioner Ross commended the Information Technology Department for their hard work so that City customers can now pay their bills by credit card.

Commissioner London noted there were cracks in the paved surface on Sunset Drive. City Manager Good stated the roadway is being re-asphalted.

9. COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner London left the dais at 12:02 A.M.

Mayor Cooper noted the Broward League of Cities recommended to the Broward County Charter Review Committee that additional municipal officials be added to the Broward County Planning Council. She requested that a Resolution in support of this recommendation be placed on the next City Commission agenda.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO DIRECT STAFF TO PLACE A RESOLUTION ON THE JANUARY 9, 2008 COMMISSION AGENDA IN SUPPORT OF AMENDING THE BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER TO ADD MUNICIPAL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BROWARD COUNTY PLANNING COUNCIL. The motion carried by voice vote, 3/0. (Commissioners London and Schiller absent)

As part of the Weed and Seed Program, community members were interviewed at the Hepburn Center and a report will be prepared.

It was announced that the Town of Pembroke Park will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

Vice Mayor Julian noted the new Office Depot on West Hallandale Beach Blvd. in Hallandale Beach made donations to Gulfstream Middle School. He stated the Relay for Life kick off meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2007 and he will be accepting donations as the Team Extreme.

Commissioner London returned to the dais at 12:11 A.M.

10. OTHER

Mayor Cooper noted the City should expand and modify the Storm Shutter Program to allow participants to replace their windows with hurricane resistant frames and glass. The total financial benefit would be the same as for installation of shutters. City Manager Good stated this modification of the program will be researched.

NOTE: MODIFICATION TO STORM SHUTTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO BE RESEARCHED PER COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Jackie Pentacost, 2001 Atlantic Shores Blvd., inquired about status of the City Marina and City Manager Good noted the project is going forward subject to meeting environmental requirements and addressing issues such as a Manatee Zone and sea grass.

Mayor Cooper discussed the closure of the Hallandale Beach Social Security Office and Alex Lewy, aide to Congressman Meeks, stated the regional Social Security commissioner stated the office is closing to consolidate locations. Efforts will continue toward keeping the office open.

In regard to beach erosion concerns, City Manager Good stated all cities south of Port Everglades should demonstrate a united front. A letter is to be sent to Senator Garcia and other appropriate persons or entities regarding current “emergency” beach erosion conditions and the necessity for prompt federal action.

Commissioner London noted he had spoken with Steve Higgins, Broward County Beach Protection, and Mr. Higgins noted the importance of having dune structures and vegetation. He recommended Mr. Higgins be invited to a Commission meeting to further discuss. Vice Mayor Julian suggested the City research installation of a jetty, as was done in the past, which helps reduce erosion.

Commissioner London mentioned that there are still issues with a fence by the Department of Public Works. City Manager Good will investigate and take action.

Mayor Cooper inquired when will the City be erecting a barrier between the public works compound and the neighborhood in order to buffer public works operations from the neighborhood. City Manager Good noted panel walls will be erected and it will be decorative. Currently the City is involved in dedication of the right of way of N.W. 3rd Street so that the City takes half and private owners take half, per legal procedures.

Per request from Mayor Cooper, City Manager Good will look into the clean up of the vacant, church property immediately west of the expanded public works compound.

Mayor Cooper asked for a status on the homes which sustained cracks as a result of drilling done in association with the construction of the new Water Treatment Plant. City Manager Good noted the insurance company of the drilling company was contacted and the matter is resolved or in the process of being resolved.

NOTE: COMMISSION TO RECEIVE REPORT REGARDING THE RESOLUTION OF THE MATTER

City Manager Good noted the lot purchased from Mrs. Hilliard on S.W. 9th Street is going to be a park and drainage area per agreement with FEMA and Broward County. Lights will be placed in the area to deter criminal activity.

City Manager Good stated an Assistant City Engineer has been hired who is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a Doctorate.

City Manager Good noted that employees are actively assisting Gulfstream in the processing of permits and inspections are being made on an ongoing basis.

Mayor Cooper adjourned the meeting at 12:54 A.M.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

_______________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________

City Clerk

RECORDING SECRETARY: Shari Canada

APPROVED BY COMMISSION: ________________________

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